Good morning, dear family,
Conclusion – Part 1.
As we conclude our series of studies on Joseph, the dreamer boy, I want to thank God for every lesson that his life brought. We could see Joseph’s life graph showing seasons of hardships, miracles, wonders, patience, success etc. But through each phase, one thing remained constant – the Bible says “God was with Joseph”.
The dream where the Sun, Moon and Stars were bowing down to Joseph was also fulfilled when Jacob and his entire household came to Joseph, the ruler of Egypt. God blessed Joseph and through Joseph, He blessed the entire Household of Israel.
“As the time of his death drew near, Jacob called for his son Joseph and said to him, “Please do me this favor. Put your hand under my thigh and swear that you will treat me with unfailing love by honoring this last request: Do not bury me in Egypt. When I die, please take my body out of Egypt and bury me with my ancestors.” So Joseph promised, “I will do as you ask.” “Swear that you will do it,” Jacob insisted. So Joseph gave his oath, and Jacob bowed humbly at the head of his bed.”
Genesis 47:29-31 NLT
Two unusual requests from Jacob:
1. Do not bury me in Egypt – Jacob trusted God above his current situation. He knew one day God would take his children back to the Promised Land. He wanted to be a part of that journey and jubilation and so he made this unusual request to Joseph. Secondly, Abraham had purchased a cave in Canaan near the tree of Mamre, and it remained the burial ground for him and his children. Abraham & Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah and Jacob’s wife Leah too, were buried there. And so this request of Jacob was to lie down with his family. Once a pastor while preaching mentioned, everyone will die one day but it’s important how you die – will I die serving the purposes of God, trusting His promises and keeping my faith? Jacob trusted God and was ready to close his eyes knowing that God would not abandon him ever.
2. Swear that you would do it – Why did Jacob choose Joseph? Why not his first born Reuben? Why did he take an oath from Joseph? Joseph was chosen by God for Israel. Joseph was a man of Word and would not lie to him. Joseph would fulfil his promise to his father. Joseph was a God fearing man. Jacob witnessed how God showed Joseph the future in his dreams and accomplished His purposes through his life. Jacob could entrust Joseph with his last rites. God has entrusted us a task to share the Good News of Salvation with all the people of this world. God loves us and everyone in this world, but are we living to fulfil that task? Are we living worthy of the Cross of Christ?
Jacob breathed his last and Joseph buried him in Canaan, the land brought by Abraham as a permanent burial ground for his family. Joseph never missed fulfilling the purposes of God. What about us? God is speaking to you and me today, and reminding us to live serving the purposes of God till we breathe our last breath. Let’s pray together that each day of our life would be a life lived for God and not for our own motives.
“Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.”
Psalms 27:7-10 NLT
Amen 🙏